William Russell | Official Profile on The Marque

William Russell’s Biography

Sir William Russell took office as Lord Mayor of the City of London in November 2019. To ensure continuity of leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, he served a second term and remained in office until November 2021.

With over thirty years’ experience in the City, including holding senior positions in the national and international Banking sectors, William started his career with First Boston before joining Merrill Lynch as an Investment Banker. He is currently Chair of CDAM, a London based Asset Management business and Senior Advisor to STJ Advisors.

William is on the Board of Innovate Finance, the industry body for the UK Fintech community. An educational entrepreneur, he is Co-Founder of Knightsbridge School and a Director of Knightsbridge School International. William is also a Director of Congham Hall Hotel and Red Savannah Travel. He is a member of the Campaign Board for the philanthropic campaign, Durham Inspired.

He has many current charitable interests including the Guildhall School of Music and Drama; the Royal Theatrical Support Trust; Place2Be, a children’s mental... Sir William Russell took office as Lord Mayor of the City of London in November 2019. To ensure continuity of leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, he served a second term and remained in office until November 2021.

With over thirty years’ experience in the City, including holding senior positions in the national and international Banking sectors, William started his career with First Boston before joining Merrill Lynch as an Investment Banker. He is currently Chair of CDAM, a London based Asset Management business and Senior Advisor to STJ Advisors.

William is on the Board of Innovate Finance, the industry body for the UK Fintech community. An educational entrepreneur, he is Co-Founder of Knightsbridge School and a Director of Knightsbridge School International. William is also a Director of Congham Hall Hotel and Red Savannah Travel. He is a member of the Campaign Board for the philanthropic campaign, Durham Inspired.

He has many current charitable interests including the Guildhall School of Music and Drama; the Royal Theatrical Support Trust; Place2Be, a children’s mental health charity; Charterhouse and Morden College.

William was elected Alderman for the Ward of Bread Street in 2013, has served on many of the City of London Corporation Committees and is currently a Governor of the City of London School for Girls.

He is a Court Assistant to the Haberdashers’ and Feltmakers’ Livery Companies and an Honorary Liveryman of the Paviors’ Company.

William was the 692nd Lord Mayor and the fifth member of his family to be Lord Mayor in the past 110 years. His grandfather, Sir Ian Bowater, was Lord Mayor from 1969 - 1970 and his great grandfather, Sir Frank Bowater, from 1938 - 1939.

To recognise his services to Innovation, Culture, and Wellbeing in the City of London particularly during Covid-19, William was awarded a Knighthood in HM The Queen's New Year Honours List 2022. READ MORE VIEW LESS

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William Russell’s Background

City of London

Former Lord Mayor

Nov 2019 - Nov 2021

London, UK

The Lord Mayor of the City of London is a global ambassador for the United Kingdom’s financial and professional services sector. He also heads the City of London Corporation, an organisation which promotes and supports London as a place to live, work, study and be entertained.

City of London

Sheriff and Alderman

Mar 2013 - Present

London, UK

William has served on several Corporation Committees, including: Policy & Resources, Culture, Finance, Heritage & Libraries, the Livery Committee, Planning & Transportation, and the Education Board. He was elected Alderman in 2013, and also served as Sheriff in 2016-2017.

Congham Hall

Director

Apr 2012 - Present

Congham Hall is a luxury spa and hotel in Norfolk. It is set in 30 acres of parkland near Kings Lynn and Sandringham House, with luxury modern amenities and elegant gardens.

Red Savannah

Director

May 2011 - Present

Award-winning travel agency Red Savannah specialises in bespoke holidays to South America, the Indian Ocean, Asia and Africa, and luxury villas in the Caribbean and Europe. It seeks to bring craftsmanship and real experience back to the forefront.

Innovate Finance

Advisory Council Member

Apr 2015 - Sep 2019

London, UK

Independent membership association Innovate Finance represents the United Kingdom's global fintech community. By supporting the next era of technology-led financial services trendsetters, the non-profit aims to increase Britain’s lead position in the financial services sector on a global scale.

Merrill Lynch

Investment Banker, Institutional Equity Sales

Feb 1992 - Apr 2006

London, UK

William worked in New York, Asia and London for Merrill Lynch, one of the world’s top wealth management providers and a specialist in securities trading and sales, investment and corporate finance.

First Boston Corporation

1987 - 1992

London, UK

Founded in 1932, First Boston Corporation was an investment bank based in New York. It became CS First Boston in 1988 when it was acquired by Credit Suisse.

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Board Positions

Augmentum Fintech plc

Non-Executive Director

Apr 2022 - Present

London, UK

Augmentum Fintech plc invests in exceptional, fast-growing Fintech companies across Europe and helps them reach their full potential.

Dukes Education

Education Advisory Board Member

Sep 2018 - Present

London, UK

Dukes Education encourages academic success and helps pupils prepare for university. The EAB encourages best practices, serves as a thought leader, and helps to steer innovation.

CDAM (UK) LTD

Non-Executive Chairman

Sep 2014 - Present

London, UK

CDAM is a leading investment firm focused on capital preservation while pursuing steady returns regardless of market conditions.

Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Board Member

Mar 2013 - Present

London, UK

The Guildhall School of Music and Drama is a prestigious conservatoire and drama school providing a stimulating atmosphere for stage managers, musicians, actors and theatre specialists to grow as artists and professionals.

Knightsbridge School

Co-Founder and Past Chair

Jan 2009 - Present

London, UK

Children at Knightsbridge School have access to a wide range of experiences developed to excite and inspire them while cultivating their unique abilities and values. The children are given the advice and support they need to grow into independent and responsible individuals.

Knightsbridge Schools International

Director

Jan 2009 - Present

London, UK

Knightsbridge Schools International is an intercontinental school network with campuses in Portugal, Colombia, Panama, and Montenegro. Its concept and ideals are based on the success of Knightsbridge School, and are driven by its particular ethos and the KSI Code.

The Charterhouse

Development Board Member

Jan 2009 - Present

London, UK

Since 1371, The Charterhouse has witnessed numerous key events in London's history. It has served as a monastery, a stately residence, a boys school, and an almshouse.

Royal Court Theatre

Chairman of the Development Board of Advocates

Jan 2000 - Dec 2007

London, UK

The Royal Court is a global leader in the active cultivation of playwrights – undiscovered, rising and recognised. It acquires and examines a large volume of new material, exhibiting an ambitious programme each year in its two locations in London's Sloane Square.

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Advisory Roles

UK Government

Adviser to the Board of Trade

Sep 2020 - Present

London, UK

The Board of Trade was established to stimulate exports, inward investment, and outward direct investment in order to bring progress and economic growth to the United Kingdom.

STJ Advisors

Senior Advisor

Jan 2015 - Present

London, UK

William served as a Senior Advisor for STJ Advisors, a renowned Independent Capital Markets Advisory that is focused on the performance of its corporate and financial sponsor clients.

Philanthropy

Cambridge Children's Hospital

Ambassador

Dec 2021 - Present

Cambridge, UK

Cambridge Children's Hospital will be the first hospital in the world to combine physical and mental health care for children in a way that no one has ever done before.

Morden College

Trustee

Mar 2015 - Present

Blackheath, UK

Morden College is a non-profit organization controlled by a Board of Trustees in London. The organisation’s mission is to assist older adults by providing either an independent living environment, a home with some domestic assistance, or 24/7 residential care with nursing in their care home.

Place2Be

Trustee and Deputy Chairman

Jul 2014 - Present

London, UK

Place2Be is an influential children's mental health foundation based in London, offering in-school assistance and specialist training to help students, families, teachers, and school employees enhance their emotional wellness.

Durham Inspired

Member of Campaign Board

Durham, UK

Durham Inspired is a historic philanthropic initiative that aims to keep Durham at the heart of learning, research, and education for future generations.

Royal Theatrical Support Trust

Council Member

London, UK

Established in 1967, the Royal Theatrical Support Trust is devoted to supporting theatrical organisations, particularly up-and-coming theatre professionals and regional-producing theatre businesses.

Prostate Cancer UK

Chairman and Trustee

Oct 2013 - Dec 2016

London, UK

Prostate Cancer UK is the UK's first national prostate cancer foundation. Their goal is to enhance the care and well-being of prostate cancer patients, raise research funding, and increase public and political awareness.

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Awards & Recognition

New Year Honours

Knighthood

2022

London, UK

Sir William Russell was knighted in 2022 for his contributions to culture, financial innovation, and wellbeing in the City.

Academic Appointments

The Honourable The Irish Society

Governor

Feb 2022 - Present

London, UK

The Honourable The Irish Society is a grant-making organisation that helps people in County Londonderry and the surrounding areas. It also looks after property and manages fishing for the benefit of the community.

City of London School for Girls

Governor

Mar 2013 - Present

London, UK

The City of London School for Girls is a prominent non-denominational school for girls. The school was founded by the Corporation of the City of London using funds from a donation from William Ward of Brixton.